Millions in US face food stamp cuts

SAVING COSTS:The numbers who receive the benefits jumped from about 26 million to 47 million, increasing annual costs to US$80 billion, a US Congress agency said

AFP, WASHINGTON

The number of people receiving SNAP benefits jumped from about 26 million to 47 million, and annual spending more than doubled from US$35 billion to US$80 billion, the CBO said.

The center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that Friday’s SNAP cuts mean benefits will average less than US$1.40 per person per meal.

“This is a serious cut, especially considering that over 80 percent of SNAP participants live in poverty. House and Senate members who are now beginning to negotiate a final Farm Bill should keep this benefit cut in mind as they consider, in reauthorizing the SNAP program, whether to make even deeper cuts,” the think tank said.